Ghanaian Youth Resilience in Agriculture Amidst Climate Change Challenges
A study indicates that Ghanaian youth show resilience in agriculture despite climate change challenges. Youth unemployment is at 13.9%, but over 50% are underemployed. A majority prefer farming, driven by positive climate emotions and access to land. Recommendations include reframing agriculture as a tech-savvy career and creating training centers.
A recent study in Ghana highlights the remarkable resilience of the country’s youth in pursuing agriculture, despite the ongoing challenges posed by climate change. Currently, the youth unemployment rate stands at 13.9%, with more than 50% of young individuals facing underemployment. As the average age of farmers in Ghana reaches 55, agriculture presents viable opportunities for the youth to engage in this sector.
The research involved 511 young Ghanaians and indicated that factors such as floods, droughts, and extreme heat do not significantly deter young people from participating in agriculture. Instead, many exhibit positive emotions towards the climate and demonstrate an embrace of innovative technologies, as evidenced by 76.7% expressing a preference for farming.
Additional factors motivating urban youth include access to land and resources, which further drive their engagement in agricultural activities. The study recommends reshaping perceptions of farming to emphasize its potential as a modern, tech-driven career and advocates for the establishment of training centers to cultivate more young farmers across the region.
In conclusion, the resilience of Ghana’s youth towards farming amidst climate challenges underscores the sector’s potential as a sustainable career choice. With a significant portion of the younger population inclined towards agriculture, it is essential to reframe farming as a technology-oriented profession and promote training initiatives to solidify their engagement in this vital industry.
Original Source: iafrica.com
